Physical Education at Sunnyside Academy
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.” – Nelson Mandela
At Sunnyside Academy, we believe that high-quality physical education inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in both competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. A strong PE curriculum not only develops physical competence but also supports pupils’ health, fitness and emotional well-being. Participation in sport builds character and instils important values such as fairness, respect and teamwork (Department for Education, 2013).
Our vision is for every child to enjoy being physically active, develop their confidence and build lifelong physical literacy. We know that all parents and carers want their children to grow up happy, healthy and self-assured. However, without the skills, confidence and motivation to be physically active, these outcomes are less likely to be achieved.
What is Physical Literacy?
Physical literacy refers to a child’s ability to move with competence and confidence in a wide range of physical activities. Research shows that positive experiences in physical education during childhood are strongly linked to sustained physical activity later in life. Children who do not develop physical literacy early are at greater risk of becoming disengaged from physical activity as they grow older.
At Sunnyside Academy, we focus on developing four key elements of physical literacy in every PE lesson:
Physical Skills
Confidence
Motivation
Opportunities
Our Approach Across the Key Stages
EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage)
In the Early Years, pupils take part in both structured activities and free play. This encourages them to develop control, coordination and confidence in movement. They also begin to understand healthy lifestyle choices, such as staying active and eating well.
Key Stage 1
By the end of KS1, children will have developed their fundamental movement skills including running, jumping, throwing and catching. These core abilities provide the foundation for accessing a wide variety of physical activities as they grow.
Key Stage 2 – Years 3 & 4
In lower KS2, pupils begin to refine their physical skills and further develop their social, creative and thinking abilities. PE lessons also explore the positive impact of physical activity on mental and physical health. A broad range of extra-curricular activities – both traditional and alternative – support this development.
Key Stage 2 – Years 5 & 6
As pupils approach the end of primary school, they take part in a wider range of sporting activities that strengthen physical, social and cognitive skills. There is a particular focus on teamwork, leadership and healthy lifestyle choices. They also benefit from an extensive programme of extra-curricular clubs, allowing them to explore new interests and develop lifelong passions in sport and activity.
Enrichment and Competitive Sport
Sunnyside Academy is a proud member of the Middlesbrough School Sport Partnership. We regularly participate in events such as athletics, football, cricket and tag rugby, as well as other tournaments organised by the local School Games Organiser. These competitions include both competitive and festival-style formats, offering pupils the chance to represent the school, grow in confidence and showcase their talents.
We also offer a variety of sports clubs three times a week throughout the year. These clubs promote enjoyment, help pupils work towards achieving 60 active minutes each day and encourage positive physical habits beyond the school day.
Celebrating Success
We are proud to have achieved the School Games Gold Award for 2024/2025, continuing our consistent recognition for excellence in school sport. This marks a sustained achievement of Gold Awards dating back to 2015/2016, a testament to our ongoing commitment to high-quality physical education and enrichment.
